When are you required to use your headlights in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, the law requires drivers to use their headlights from one-half hour after sunset until one-half hour before sunrise. This rule is in place to ensure that vehicles are visible to others during low-light conditions when natural light is not sufficient for safe driving.

Using headlights during these times is crucial for improving both visibility for the driver and the ability of other road users to see the vehicle. It enhances safety for everyone on the road, reducing the chances of accidents due to poor visibility during the night.

While headlights are also important in various weather conditions like rain, snow, or fog, the fundamental requirement establishes specific times when headlights must be used to comply with traffic laws. Therefore, relying solely on weather conditions or mistaking dusk and dawn for daytime would not satisfy the legal requirement for headlight use during those specified hours.